Developing World Connections

Who we are.

Developing World Connections provides International Volunteer Experiences to people of all ages and backgrounds. We connect volunteers to communities in developing nations to work on sustainable projects that better the lives of some of the world's most impoverished people.

We are a grassroots, registered non-profit, and Canadian Charitable Organization with no professional, political, or religious affiliation.

OUR STORY

In 2000, DWC President Wayne McRann and Board member Dan Miller were working on a Rotary project in the jungles of Guatemala. They were assisting in the installation of a water system to improve the livelihoods of local community members. The desire to share the joy of this experience spawned the concept of Developing World Connections. What began as an idea became a reality in 2004 when DWC was formed. Shortly after, the tragic Boxing Day tsunami hit Sri Lanka. Developing World Connections quickly mobilized a grassroots response to help rebuild lives. We became a registered charity in 2005, and we began a grassroots movement. Since then, we have sent nearly 2000 volunteers to work on sustainable projects in host communities in 13 countries.

OUR BELIEF

We believe that working alongside local people in the developing world on a poverty alleviating project builds hope. Hope for the community, hope for the volunteer, and hope for a better, more peaceful world.

OUR MISSION

It is our mission to be a conduit for hope and to make a positive difference in the world. We exist to connect regular, everyday people with communities in the developing world to work alongside each other while making a real and lasting impact for the benefit of our entire global community.

OUR VISION

Our vision is a sustainable, socially-just, peaceful, and poverty-free global community where people experience the difference they make and the hope they build, all while working alongside each other.

Donate, Contribute, Give.

You can help communities in the developing world by becoming a donor or a participant. We invite you to give to poverty alleviating, sustainable projects and programs developed and delivered by our host partners to meet the specific needs of each unique community. By becoming a donor, you become part of the growing community of active global citizens who want to see real, lasting, positive change in the world. By participating on an International Volunteer Experience, you have the opportunity to see where you donation is going, who administers the programs, and connect directly with the locals you are helping.

How Can I Make a Difference?

Become a participant and join us on an International Volunteer Experience:

By becoming a volunteer, you contribute both your physicall and financial resources. You will work side by side with local community members on a sustainable project they've selected. More often than not, this involves building homes, community centres, schools, and livelihood centres. A substantial portion of the cost of your trip goes directly to the Host Partner for supplies, equipment and building materials, local paid labour, and operating programs within the community.

Join a pre-arranged short-term project or four-week student trip, or create your own customized trip. Build a team of family, friends, colleagues, classmates, or a special interest group. Developing World Connections will arrange everything from flights, in-country transport, accommodation and meals to project materials and labour. Plus, the entire amount paid through DWC, flight airfare included, is deemed a charitable donation, which means it is 100% tax deductible. You can also fundraise to help meet the cost of your trip, and DWC will issue charitable tax receipts to those who donate on your behalf.

SIGN ME UP!

Make a donation to Developing World Connections:

DWC is a non-profit organization, and we do not receive any government funding. You donation is vital to help keep our organization running and enables more funds to directly reach our host communities and project beneficiaries. You can make a donation by cheque, credit card, debit card, or online. Here's how to donate:

Cheque: Mail to #220-141 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC, Canada, V2C 1Z5

Credit card: Call our office toll free at 1-866-458-8209

Debit card: Come visit us at our office at the above address

*We will issue a charitable tax receipt for any donation amount $20 CDN or more. All donations must be made to Developing World Connections in order to be eligible for a charitable tax receipt. We also require your current contact information including your full name, address, phone number, and email address.

Online: Donate by using Canada Helps, a secure, fast, and convenient site exclusively built for charities. Canada Help charges a 4% administration fee on each transaction but will issue you a charitable receipt for any amount more than $1 CDN. Click here for the On-Line Payment/Contribution Instructions.